“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13 (KJB)
Shame
God Looked Down From Heaven Upon The Children of Men
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread? They have not called upon God.
There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.” Psalm 53:1-6 (KJB)
Weeping
“Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people. Mine eye trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission, till the LORD look down, and behold from heaven.” Lamentations 3:48-50 (KJB)
Jeremiah is known as being the “Weeping prophet”. When you read his prophecy, and his laments in Lamentations you can see why he is called that.
As I read the Laments this morning I found myself weeping for the prophets pain, and his laments were just for a caring heart and soul. He hurt for his people. He hurt because of their forsaking of God, and His way, and His word.
There are other verses which show his grieving, weeping heart. Consider Jeremiah 4:19 and 9:1.
If I stop to think about what I have wept over I am too often ashamed of it. What should cause me to weep?
- That many who call themselves Christian are departing from the worship of God our Creator through Christ Jesus;
- That the word of God is considered by too many as being an antiquated book no longer worthy of following, or believing;
- That there are many who are perishing in their sins, and are going untold of the wonderful gift of God displayed upon the cross of Jesus Christ, His burial, and resurrection;
- That there are too many Christians who are in a backsliden condition, away from God, and do not seem to care;
- That Christians seem to see no need for the local church, and are forsaking the assembling of themselves together;
- That we have brethren in nations which persecute them for their faith in Jesus Christ while we go without any persecution;
- That Jesus Christ is not exalted as He should be.
That list is not exhaustive. If you can think of another let me know in the comments; and let us pray to draw nearer to the LORD our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Fear Not; For You Shall Not Be Ashamed…
“Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of Hosts His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called.” Isaiah 54:4-5 (KJB)
I love the “Fear not” of these verses, and all of Scripture. This one seems to be extra powerful. It is probably due to the prophecy before it of our Suffering Servant Savior prophecies in chapters 51-53. Their Messiah would come, suffer, and die even by their own religious establishments hands, yet He is “Smiten of God and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4).
Through the sacrifice; the suffering, the bleeding, the dying of Jesus Christ, all of sins debt was paid.
I leave you with more thoughts from F. B. Meyer…
“We have heard the exiles summoned to leave Babylon, and have beheld the Savior becoming the sin-bearer. Here our attention is recalled to the still desolate condition of Jerusalem. See Neh_1:3; Neh_2:3; Neh_2:13-17. Jehovah says, Sing, but Israel replies that she cannot sing so long as she lies desolate. In reply God declares His inalienable love: He is their husband still and has sworn that the waters of death and destruction shall never be able to separate them from Himself. The kindness of His mercy is everlasting, and His covenant of peace shall outlast the mountains and hills.
In the closing paragraph, Isa_54:11-17, we behold the chosen city emerging from her heap of ruins. Watched by the eye of the great Architect, wrought by unseen hands, tested by the line and plummet of righteousness, she arises to fulfill her mission to the world. To inspired hearts it seems as though her common stones are jewels. Her children are taught of the Lord. Every accusing voice is hushed. All weapons of destruction are impotent. The New Jerusalem seems to have come down from heaven.” THROUGH THE BIBLE DAY BY DAY – F. B. Meyer “The Wondrous Love of God” on Isaiah 54:1-17
Like His Brethren
“For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on the seed of Abraham.
Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:16-17 (KJB)
As I read these words this morning the word “behoved” asked the question, “What is the meaning of this word?” Behooved is the modern spelling. I found this…
“BEHOOVE, v.t. behoof’. To be necessary for; to be fit for; to be meet for, with respect to necessity, duty, or convenience.
And thus it behooved Christ to suffer. Luke 24.” 1828 Websters Dictionary
So we can learn from these verses above that Jesus our Savior saw it as necessary that He die for the sins of the world that He might redeem unto Himself a people. There was, and there is no other way of redemption.
When God says there is no other way; whether it involve the giving of His son, or the salvation of Adam kind; then there is no other way.
Jesus Christ died for our sins; He was buried carrying away all our sin, shame, guilt, and condemnation; then He rose victorious over the grave. Call on His name He is the only Savior of the world.
The Man That Makes the LORD His Trust
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, praise unto our God: many shall see and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” Psalm 40:1-4 (KJB)
The LORD does indeed lift us, picks us up, out of the miry clay, the pit of sin, and sets our feet upon a rock; the Rock is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).
The way of sin is darkness, and cold. O, it may seem like the way to go at the time; it may seem like it is the comfortable thing; it may seem to be pleasurable, but it leads to shame, pain, misery, and death. Be an instrument of praise to the LORD God. Call on the name of the Lord and be delivered from that pit to which you are imprisoned.
Let me share with you the thoughts of Charles Spurgeon from the Treasury of David on verse four…
“Blessed.” This is an exclamation similar to that of thePsa_1:1-6, “Oh, the happiness of the man.” God’s blessings are emphatic, “I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed,” indeed and in very truth. “Is that man that maketh the Lord his trust.” Faith obtaineth promises. A simple, single-eyed confidence in God is the sure mark of blessedness. A man may be as poor as Lazarus, as hated as Mordecai, as sick as Hezekiah, as lonely as Elijah, but while his hand of faith can keep its hold on God, none of his outward afflictions can prevent his being numbered among the blessed but the wealthiest and most prosperous man who has no faith is accursed, be he who he may. “And respecteth not the proud.” The proud expect all men to bow down and do them reverence, as if the worship of the golden calves were again set up in Israel; but believing mean are too noble to honour mere money-bags, or cringe before bombastic dignity. The righteous pay their respect to humble goodness, rather than to inflated self-consequence. Our Lord Jesus was in this our bright example. No flattery of kings and great ones ever fell from his lips; he gave no honour to dishonourable men. The haughty were never his favourites. “Nor such as turn aside to lies.” Heresies and idolatries are lies, and so are avarice, worldliness, and pleasure-seeking. Woe to those who follow such deceptions. Our Lord was ever both the truth and the lover of truth, and the father of lies had no part in him. We must never pay deference to apostates, time-servers, and false teachers; they are an ill leaven, and the more we purge ourselves of them the better; they are blessed whom God preserves from all error in creed and practice. Judged by this verse, many apparently happy persons must be the reverse of blessed, for anything in the shape of a purse, a fine equipage, or a wealthy establishment, commands their reverence, whether the owner be a rake or a saint, an idiot or a philosopher. Verily, were the arch-fiend of hell to start a carriage and pair, and live like a lord, he would have thousands who would court his acquaintance. TREASURY OF DAVID, by Charles Spurgeon verse 4
Having a Just Society
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state shall be prolonged.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.” Proverbs 28:1-7 (KJB)
Having a Just Society – Proverbs 28:1-28
Verses 1a, 4, 12, 15, 28 – A look at the wicked. The wicked are those who refuse to recognize the way of God, His Word, and refuse to submit themselves to Him; whether rich, or poor. 1.) The wicked see a conspiracy behind everything that is against them, and flee. 2.) For anyone to turn their backs on righteous laws is to give praise to the wicked who break those laws. 3.) When the wicked rule and are in leadership people tend to hide. 4.) Wicked rulers among poor people are as devastating as an angry growling lion (Job 24:4; Prov. 19:12; 1 Peter 5:8).
Verses 2, 5, 8-9, 11, 16-17, 21-22, 25-26 – A look at the wicked who are wealthy; leadership, rulers. 1.) Many rulers, maybe “Big government” is a result of a wicked nation. 2.) True justice is not understood by the unjust; and that goes along with exorbitant interest, profits, low wages, etc.. 3.) The unjust will be “cruel oppressors”, and will most likely have “blood on their hands” thus face eternal judgment. 4.) Greed, partiality, will ultimately bring poverty into the lives of those who practice it – ultimate destruction.
Verses 3, 10a, 13, 24 – The wicked poor. 1.) You would think a poor man would be more understanding of the poor; but the wicked poor will stoop to the lowest degree in order to improve their own situation in life. 2.) Destruction awaits those who would lead an upright individual astray – take Balaam as an example (Numbers 31:8, 16). 3.) It is the tendency of all wicked people to cover their transgressions, and even refuse to believe they have transgressed (v. 24).
Verses 1b, 6-7, 10b, 12a, 14, 18-20, 23, 27 – The way of righteousness. 1.) The righteous have no reason to fear the thing so the world or of man; they have died to the wickedness of the world. 2.) The poor upright are better off, and wise in God. 3.) The Lord will bless those who are upright in the things he/she possesses. 4.) There is glory and happiness in the fear of the LORD (vv. 12, 14). 5.) Salvation, plenty, and blessings are the reward of the righteous. 6.) A just and righteous tongue is favored; and gives to the poor, and shall not lack (vv. 23, 27)
Jesus – The Anchor of the Soul
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes often upon it, and brings forth herbs fit for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God: but that which bears thorns and briers rejected, and nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.’ And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil; where the Forerunner is for us entered, Jesus, made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” Hebrews 6:1-20
REFERENCES: 2:5; 3:1; 10:29; Acts 8:14; 18:21; Psalm 65:10; Leviticus 16:15; Genesis 14:17-24; John 14:1-6
A Tall Order
The Scripture reading for today is 1 Kings 4 – 6…
“And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying, ‘Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in My statutes, and execute My judgments, and keep all My commandments to walk in them; then will I perform My word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.'” 1 Kings 6:11-13 (KJB)
In our text Solomon and the people were in a large building campaign of building the Temple which had been in King David’s heart to build. It was not a commandment from God. You see nowhere where David or Solomon are given the design of it from God. It was David’s design. God allows its building because it was in David’s heart to always honor the LORD in…
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I Trust in You LORD
“Unto Thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You: let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me.” Psalm 25:1-2 (KJB)
This is the 25th day of writing through the Psalms again. I know that I missed yesterday, yet this is still the 25th day of Psalms. I appreciate all who take your valuable time to come here to read these studies, and I do pray that when you do God blesses you abundantly with His Spirit to enlighten your understanding of God, His Word, and His Spirit; and His work in you.
The Psalmist (David) is declaring the LORD as his God. He also declares, “I trust in You.” That ought always to be the heart of the believer who has given heart, soul, body, and mind to Him.
When we give our life to God through His Son Jesus Christ there is no room for shame, but praise, love, joy, peace, and a life filled with the love of God in us for others, and mostly for Him who loved us that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins.
Do we have enemies? Most definitely. Those who hate God, and work against His word, His will, and His way are His enemies; they are my enemies and if you love God; they are your enemies as well. We have a promise from God that has been given to all God’s people down through the ages…
“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19
My Sentence… From Your Presence
“Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of deceitful lips. Let my sentence come forth from Your presence; let Your eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalm 17:1-2 (KJV)
For this 17th day into our 150 Days I will let C. H. Spurgeon, the author of The Treasury of David speak to you on verse two…
“Let my sentence come forth from thy presence.” The Psalmist has now grown bold by the strengthening influence of prayer, and he now entreats the Judge of all the earth to give sentence upon his case. He had been libelled, basely and maliciously libelled; and having brought his action before the highest court, he, like an innocent man, has no desire to escape the enquiry, but even invites and sues for judgment. He does not ask for secrecy, but would have the result come forth to the world. He would have sentence pronounced and executed forthwith. In some matters we may venture to be as bold as this; but except we can plead something better than our own supposed innocence, it were terrible presumption thus to challenge the judgment of a sin-hating God. With Jesus as our complete and all-glorious righteousness we need not fear, though the day of judgment should commence at once, and hell open her mouth at our feet, but might joyfully prove the truth of our hymn writer’s holy boast –
“Bold shall I stand in that great day;
For who ought to my charge shall lay?
While, through thy blood, absolved I am
From sin’s tremendous curse and shame.”“Let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Believers do not desire any other judge than God, or to be excused from judgment, or even to be judged on principles of partiality. No; our hope does not lie in the prospect of favouritism from God, and the consequent suspension of his law; we expect to be judged on the same principles as other men, and through the blood and righteousness of our Redeemer we shall pass the ordeal unscathed. The Lord will weigh us in the scales of justice fairly and justly; he will not use false weights to permit us to escape, but with the sternest equity those balances will be used upon us as well as upon others; and with our blessed Lord Jesus as our all in all we tremble not, for we shall not be found wanting. In David’s case, he felt his cause to be so right that he simply desired the Divine eyes to rest upon the matter, and he was confident that equity would give him all that he needed.
I believe David knew what the apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, meant when he wrote, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1
Blessing In Judgment
Today we continue the study of the seven vials [bowls], and within these judgments, we find a blessing in verse 15. It is a word of hope for the Church, the believer, the follower of Jesus Christ throughout all ages. Let us continue…
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give Him glory.
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. Revelation 16:8-21 (KJV)
4. (VV. 8-9) With the fourth trumpet the sun was darkened (8:12-13), but here the heat of the sun is intensified and is destructive (see Isaiah 30:26);
5. (VV. 10-11) This vial is poured out upon the throne of the “Beast”; even with this great wrath these wicked men refuse to repent;
6. (VV. 12-16) With this vial two important events take place; 1) the drying of the Euphrates River, and 2) the gathering of the armies of the world.
Within this, note the Beatitude (v. 16). It is God’s reminder to us of His provision for those who prepare by receiving His grace.
“Behold I come as a thief”. The Church can be assured that Jesus will come as a thief for His bride and take her out of the world. Who will He take out of this world before the Tribulation? 1) Those who are watching and alert; 2) Those who are living lives that please the Lord. “Blessed” or “Happy” will be those who are with Jesus during this horrible time of God’s wrath.
Also, see “THE HAPPY WATCHER”.
Verse 16 clearly shows the very sovereignty of God. When the world peace is not working and the armies of the world gather for battle against one another – remember it is God who brought them to this battle. While they are battling with one another the King of kings will descend from Heaven, and the armies of the earth will join forces against Heaven’s army and do battle. All He must do is speak a word, and it is over. What a mighty God we serve.
The final wrath of God is poured out. Sin is totally put away and evil destroyed. “It is done”, the voice from the temple says. It almost sounds like Jesus as He hung on the cross and cried out, “It is finished”. The work Jesus came to do was finished on the cross. The work God began in mankind with Adam will be finished when He completely destroys sin. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
What happens with the final or seventh vial being poured out?
- Voices, thunderings, and lightnings;
- Great earthquake – unlike any known by man;
- The destruction of Babylon – the political, economical, and ecclesiastical rule of man will crumble, probably recognized through a city;
- Because of the earthquake the face of the earth is changed (v. 20);
- Hailstones about the weight of 100 pounds will fall;
- Rather than repenting men still living will blaspheme God.
It is great to know we are still in a day of salvation. If people harden their hearts to God, it is certain to be that God will harden their hearts toward Him, and if that happens – there is no hope.
Repent when God calls (2 Corinthians 6:2). When God calls do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:7-8). You may not have another day (Proverbs 27:1). Do not wait to experience the glory of His wrath. Experience His glory in His grace through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding
I long to be a wise individual, a man of wisdom. I want my wife to be a woman of wisdom, and my children to be sons and daughters of wisdom. The wisdom I speak of of course is godly wisdom. I have enough of the world’s wisdom in my head which is devilish.
As we have previously seen “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”, and we begin fearing the LORD, by believing what He says, and putting it to work. That starts with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you believe? To not believe in the life, ministry and the works of Jesus Christ, Christ Himself is to condemn yourself to a live of foolishness.
Hear what the writer of Proverbs says…
“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.” Proverbs 9:7-12
Now I leave you with the writing of a man from the past. Warnings of Wisdom to the Wise. (Matthew 7:6). John Gill writes of verse 7;
“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame,…. Intimating, that though the simple, and such as want understanding, and of whom there is hope of doing them good, are to be invited into Wisdom’s house; yet not the haughty scorner, the abandoned sinner, the scoffer at all religion, who walks after his own lusts, and is quite irreclaimable; it is but casting pearls before swine, and giving that which is holy to dogs, to reprove and exhort such persons; though the Gospel is to be preached to every creature, yet when men despise it, and make a mock at it, they are to be turned from, and no more is to be said to them; as the Jews of old, they were the first invited to the Gospel feast, the same that is described in the context; they made light of it, contradicted and blasphemed the word, and so judged themselves unworthy of it; wherefore Wisdom’s maidens, or Christ’s ministers, were bid to turn from them, and go to the Gentiles, and preach it to them; for it is to no purpose to address such persons; “shame” is the sure consequence of it, because a man is disappointed of the end he has in view, which is doing good;
and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot; this shows who is meant by a scorner, a very profligate man, bent on his wicked ways, and quite incorrigible; to rebuke such an one is not only labour lost, and in vain, but the rebuker getteth himself an ill name, and is sure to have the dirt of reproach and scandal cast upon him; though this a man might patiently bear, if there was any hope of doing good.”
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.
Prophets Speak – Christmas Day 150
“Fear not; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be you confounded; for you shall not be put to shame: for you shall forget the shame of your youth, and shall not remember the reproach of your widowhood any more. For your Maker is your husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called. For the LORD has called you as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when you was refused, says your God. For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you. In a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on you, says the LORD your Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:4-8 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to daily rest in the arms of the Maker who is loving, merciful, forgiving GOD of grace; and do know that He is everlasting, His love is everlasting, and though I may at times be unfaithful to Him, He is always faithful to me, and to all who have called on His name; that He is my Redeemer.
Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Seventy and One
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want all those who come to this blog today, and in the days to come to be certain of their eternal destination; and that that destination is to the place where Jesus is; and I want you to know that He has prepared the way, and the place for you (John 14:1-6), that you can call on Him, He will hear you and deliver you from all your sin, and its shame, guilt, condemnation, and give you eternal life in His presence.
The Burial of Christ
Many years I have heard sermons, Bible lessons, and teachings on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it seems the Bible deals with the death, burial and resurrection; and usually in concert with one another.
Maybe I am off track on this, but I have had this on my heart and mind quite often in the past year or two; so today I write dealing with the subject of “The Burial of Christ”. The burial of Christ proves that He was dead; not swooning or faking death. I do believe the Roman guards knew death when they saw it. Thus, He was buried.
Now reading in 1 Corinthians we read…
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV)
When we read the accounts of the Gospels we read of His burial, not just His death and resurrection. So why is it so important to remember His burial as part of the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
It is in its very meaning a necessity of our salvation, our living now, and for eternity.
Here is one place I get my meaning for the need of the burial. In the book of Leviticus and chapter sixteen is the ceremony on the day of Atonement, and the lesson of the scapegoat. One goat is taken, the hands of the priest is laid on the goat representing the sins of the people placed on it, then that goat is slain, and its blood is taken and poured on the mercy seat in the tent of meeting. We must understand that all of Scripture points to Jesus, and that all is saying that there is one way to God, and that is through the blood of His Son Jesus the Christ.
Just for note: I will not cover every detail of the scapegoat ceremony, but the scapegoat is the one which lives; chosen by lot; and then taken, and released in the wilderness, and some believe maybe slain in the desert; never to return again.
Let us for a moment think on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ like this; 1. The death of Christ is our past; 2. the burial of Christ is our present; and 3. the resurrection of Christ is our future.
Those who believe in Him are saved from sin, and its eternal torment. That leads us to the “burial of Christ” and the present. When Jesus died and was buried He carried all our sins, shames, condemnations, guilt, and death on the cross, and to the grave. He carried them away; like the scapegoat -into the wilderness; never to be seen again.
He left all that baggage of sin, shame, condemnation, guilt and death in the grave. He came out alive.
Knowing that He carried all of that away, and left it there should cause us; the Christian; to live without that baggage in our lives – once we have asked for His cleansing and forgiveness.
Because He was buried and risen we need not live in fear of His appearing, but with joy we do look for Him.
Trusting the Righteous LORD
“In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in Thy righteousness.” Psalm 31:1 (KJV)
For David trusting the righteous LORD was not even questioned. In who else, or what else was one to trust? He knew that you cannot even trust yourself without reservation, or second guessing one’s self. He knew there was nothing righteous in himself, or anyone else. He also knew there were times he was ashamed of things which he did; but never the works of GOD, or His acts.
In whom do you trust? Are trusting that your place of employment is secure? It is not. Are you trusting your spouse without reservation? He/She is human, and can fall and fail just as you can. I pray you do trust your spouse as we are called to, but not for eternity, and eternal reasons. Men, you will not get to heaven on the “Train” of your wife’s wedding gown. Ladies, you will not get to heaven on the strength and faith of your husband.
Because our LORD is a righteous LORD we can trust Him implicitly. Because the human race is a sinful race we cannot trust God on our own. He has made a way through the righteousness of His only Son. He was crucified on a cross for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave, and ever lives calling all who will hear to follow Him. He is our only access to the righteousness of GOD.
Then, we can, with David say, “In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust…” Trust Him.
Through the Bible in a Year – e100613
Peace… But No Peace
Jeremiah 6:10-19
purpose: To reveal what is happening when there is proposed peace, but evil is good, and good is evil; when the people of God despise the word of God, and there is no shame; and to show what will happen if there is no repentance.
1. THE WORD OF GOD BECOMES OFFENSIVE (v. 10).
2. TROUBLE IN THE HOMELAND, ABROAD, AT HOME AND AMONG SPIRITUAL LEADERS (vv. 11-13).
3. A FALSE MESSAGE IS PROCLAIMED FOR PEACE (v. 14).
4. THERE IS NO SHAME TOWARD WHAT GOD CALLS ABOMINATION (v. 15a).
5. THERE WILL BE A VISITATION FROM THE LORD (v. 15b).
6. WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF HIS PEOPLE DURING THIS TIME (v. 16a).
- A. Get into God’s ways He provides; first repent.
- B. Ask direction in the old time ways of living by faith.
- C. You will find rest and peace for your souls.
7. THE PEOPLE TAKE A CHOICE (vv. 16b-19).
- A. Evil comes on the people.
- B. There will be fruit from their thoughts.
1. Today, if you can think it (without any thought of consequences); do it.
2. Fruits of thoughts can be tragic indeed; not only for the “thinker”, but the victims of the thoughts.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God (Hosea 4:4-10)
God’s Controversy With His People 2
“Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against Me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of My people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.” Hosea 4:4-10 (KJV)
Verses 4 through 6 as well as the following four verses are directed toward the priests and prophets.
The priests and the prophets were told not to accuse the people, because they, themselves were at fault. This, by no means takes any personal responsibility away from the people, for they too are guilty. The greatest fault lies with the priests and prophets, because they had failed to teach the Law of God. Why? Because they rejected God’s law. Their “Mother” [Nation] would be destroyed. Church leadership which fails to proclaim the Law of God, the Word or God with its rebukes and warnings; as well as its blessings and promises is remiss in doing the work and will of God; thus rejecting God and His Word.
The preacher/prophet may fail to meet the expectations of the people, but if he fails to proclaim God’s Word he wreaks havoc upon himself, and the people. If the priests (Every born again believer) fails to warn the lost of his/her condemnation, and fails to pray for the lost to be reconciled to God, then, we bring shame on ourselves and eternal havoc and ruin on those whom we have failed to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In verses 7 through 10 the condemnation continues upon the priests.
It appears that as God blessed the priests (and nation) they began to be comfortable, and sin against God. It is not sin to be comfortable, or to live in comfort. The sin is while in comfort we forget, forsake, and do not praise the LORD.
The priests received offerings from the people. Possibly a sin offering is implied by verse eight. These meat offerings were to be eaten by the priests, and their families – as a means of support – and rather than rebuking the people for their sin, encouraged them to continue in sin. Maybe not with words, but in the absence of words of rebuke. So, just as the priests are condemned because they reject the law of God, the people are condemned because of their willful ignorance of God. They loved their sin too much to find out what the will of God was.
There would be no satisfaction, no fulfillment in their indulgence of sin. They would not be a fruitful people. Even though they thought that enjoying the fulfilling of their lust through hedonistic temple acts would guarantee many children and bountiful harvest; it would not be so. The reason God gives is, “Because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.”
There is much sin within the churches of the United States of America in the 21st century. Yet, we have an awesome and wondrous Saviour. His name is Jesus. He died for us because He loves us. He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. He will do whatever it takes to make us holy.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 79 – Sin in the Church
There is probably nothing more sure and clear than the title of this post. “Sin in the Church”. To ask, “Is there sin in our churches?” is a very unnecessary question. Where there is a church without sin; it is of their own confession; and not the truth. Besides where there is people there will be sin. By that statement I do not mean to lessen the gravity and seriousness of sin in the church.
In my reading this morning of 1 Corinthians 3 – 12 it was quite apparent that the apostle is writing this church to confront a major problem they have. First of all they seem just a bit proud of their “Spirituality” and “love” since they have tolerated an adulterous affair to continue to go on in their midst (chapter 5).
The apostle addresses their immaturity at first,
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (KJV)
We see there are other problems of sin within the congregation as well, “strife and divisions”, arguing and debating over who is the best preacher, and probably other things. Too many times in today’s society Christians “wear their feelings on their sleeves”, are easily puffed up, easily knocked down, and easily offended. That is the height of immaturity.
Paul’s intent for writing this letter is not to shame or offend this people,
“I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” 4:14-16
We live in a time where “Tolerance” is king. At least much of laws are written with tolerance in mind. What is the idea of tolerance? The MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY defines “Tolerance” –
1. the act or practice of tolerating; esp. : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from one’s own 2: capacity for enduring or adapting (as to a poor environment) 3: the allowable deviation from a standard (as of size).
Today’s tolerance police would be proud of the Corinthian church. They loved this couple so very much, and were so very tolerant they were about to bring the wrath and judgment of God upon themselves, and the whole church. The apostle was not pleased when he heard of this, and this very well could be the main reason for writing this letter; the “straw that broke the camel’s back” so to speak. Hear what Paul told the church to do with the man:
“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 5:4-8
If you will notice Paul’s concern was at least in part for the man to be delivered from this grievous sin. He was also very concerned with what it was doing and would continue doing if the rebelliousness and evil were not dealt with.
There is much to learn and hear for the guidance of the post modern church. There is sin in the church today that needs to be dealt with. I hear of adulterous affairs going on between couples within some local congregations; and if these sins and others are not dealt with then those churches will fall.
The first step in dealing with sin in the church is for each individual to keep their accounts short with God. Read the Bible daily, hiding the word in your heart that you sin not against the LORD. By taking heed to the Word of God their is cleansing and forgiveness.
To tolerate sin in one’s own life is not love; that is arrogance. To tolerate sin within the church is not love, nor is it spiritual; it is pride and rebellion.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 37 – Thoughts from Psalms; Waiting
The word wait is use nine times in the reading for today. My reading was from Psalms 24 – 37. Waiting is not a pleasant thing to do; especially in today’s fast moving world.
We wait in traffic. We wait for that job interview and job that is going to put us in a higher income bracket, and maybe on “easy street”. We wait at the doctor’s office. We wait in the Emergency Room. We wait for news of family and friends to come. It seems when we are anxiously waiting that it takes forever coming; whatever it is we are waiting for.
We are admonished by Scripture and these Psalms,
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (KJV)
Expectantly is the idea of “Wait on the LORD”. Trusting Him in the time when things do not seem to be happening. What are we to do while we are “Waiting on the LORD”? We do what we know to do, keep on going, keep on trusting, but by His directives and plan; not our own.
“Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day.” 25:3-5
There will be no shame for those who are waiting on God; ie, trusting in Him. Too many times we jump ahead of what God wants us to do, and we end up making messes of our lifes situation. That is seen in the business world, and the spiritual lives of people.
A Christian business man may know to trust the LORD in his business situation, yet a need may arise for a certain type of qualified individual who can get the job done, and he takes the first one who comes along, and things end up in a mess.
I fear there are far too many churches, and Christians who are having worship services that are geared to fleshly activity rather than divine worship; because they want to “prime the pump” so to speak, getting ahead of what God’s word teaches, and instilling their own devices. In this we end up with a mess; outside God’s directive and plan; where He is not truly worshipped and praised. We feel good, but God does not. No shame will come to those who wait on God.
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” 37:7-9
The word “wait” and “patiently” are used together in the first part of these verses and the idea is a bit different. It seems that it is almost a painful thing, sort of like an exercise of building strength, character, or patience. I do not know if you have ever prayed for patience, but I can almost assure that if you have, or when you do, something will come along which will build up patience in you; a trial of great pain and sorrow. It was the apostle Paul who said,
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience…” Romans 5:3
“Waiting on the LORD” means also that we are living His way, not our own. Let me end this commentary today with these words,
“Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.” 37:34
His way is found in Scripture, the Bible, and these words tell us of the One who would come to take away our sin and its condemnation. That one is Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God. He told us, after His death, burial and bodily resurrection that He would return. Let us who believe Him, and trust Him wait patiently for that blessed hope and glorious return.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Whatever Happened To Shame?
Shame is a word that has almost fallen by the way. Who uses the word “shame” anymore? You don’t hear it much. “You ought to be ashamed” a mother would say to a child who had just kicked a sibling, or a neighbor, or a friend. “Shame on you” some Dad would say to his son when he argued and disobeyed his mother, and then would get a whipping.
Shame? What does it mean? Well, now that you’ve asked let me answer. Shame, according to the Merriam/Webster Dictionary means, “a painful sense of having done something wrong, improper, or immodest 2. DISGRACE, DISHONOR, shameful”.
It seems that in the culture of the day that it is “wrong” to cause someone to feel ashamed. According to some called “experts”, “You ought to be ashamed to make someone aware of their shame.” In the day when you ought to be ashamed of shame, God’s Word still uses the word, and speaks the truth of how people should be ashamed of their actions.
Jeremiah the prophet writes,
“Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 6:15 (KJV)
Of course the prophet is writing of how the people have rebelled against the LORD, turned their backs on Him, rejected His Word and His prophets, and because of this are going to experience cutting off from their land. Were they ashamed? It appears not according to the prophet.
It would seem that as a society gets more affluent, fat, lazy and complacent; they also get the knowledge of Eve when she ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden; and think God is only known in knowing self. However, even Adam and Eve were ashamed when they heard the LORD walking in the garden. That appears to be disappearing from the culture of our day (2009).
Several who profess to have once known God through His Son Jesus Christ, turning their backs on God, His Word, His truth, and His prophets and people have no shame of turning from God.
O, people of God, Christian; when we sin against our God and Savior, let us be ashamed of our sin, confess it and forsake it. Let us be sure to maintain a proper fellowship with our LORD and God. Be ashamed when sin is in your life. Rejoice when it has been cleansed, forgiven and forgotten by our Father through His Son Jesus Christ.
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), and it seems that shame is our condemnation when we are not walking in Him. Walking in Him is that blessed fellowship we have with Him in obedience which comes from our love for Him.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Look Of Living
In all times this is the One to whom we are to look…
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
-T.A.
Marriage in the Garden
As a young and very inexperienced preacher I was asked by a cousin and good friend, to conduct his wedding ceremony. He and his fiance’ wanted to have their wedding small, with just a couple of witnesses, myself and them. They also wanted to have it on the cliff overlooking the spring pool at Roaring River State Park. Being my first wedding I was thrilled to do it. The sad part is the marriage did not last. Within a few short years they had a young daughter, and they divorced.
Divorce is a sad element in society today. Christian marriages are failing just as non christian marriages. It seems that the word “commitment” is a lost word. It seems to mean nothing anymore, and that truly saddens me. Love means lust instead of joy of endurance in marriage. God’s way of marriage is to be a lifetime together, truly loving one another. Helping one another grow in Christ. When one is sick the other aids the one who is week. When there are good times both rejoice together.
Hear God’s Word on this matter:
“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’
‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:23-25 (NKJV).
God officiated at the first marriage. He formed the woman from Adams’s rib, taking her from his side to be together with him, walking side by side. Each would encourage the other. Each would love and enjoy the other.
Following Adam and Eve each child when they married would need to leave the protected home of their parents, and make a home for themselves.
Marriage is a very precious matter. God made them male and female to love, enjoy one another, and to propagate the human race. Marriage is precious union between two adults who covenant together to love, cherish, live, and at times to even endure one another. The married couple will know things about one another that no one else knows. That is part of what the Scripture means when it tells us, “they were both naked…and were not ashamed.” In marriage, between husband and wife, there should be no secrets. Everything should be out in the open for one another.
When an individual starts doing secretive things, without the spouse knowing, then, there is a marriage headed for trouble, and if not corrected will sadly end. At the least trust will end. At the worst divorce will come. Be unashamed before one another in all things. And by the way – I am not speaking of the purchasing of special gifts – concerning the secretive things.
Broken Pieces 